Short-toed rock thrush

The short-toed rock thrush is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs from southern Angola and Namibia through Botswana into northwestern and western South Africa, favoring dry shrublands, rocky hillsides, and escarpments. It keeps close to rugged terrain with scattered bushes and boulders. Breeding territories are typically on slopes with crevices suitable for nesting. Outside breeding, it may range more widely in semi-arid savanna and open scrub.

Altitude Range

600–2200 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size18–20 cm

Wing Span28–34 cm

Male Weight0.055 kg

Female Weight0.05 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A rock-loving thrush of southern Africa, the short-toed rock thrush frequents dry, stony slopes and escarpments where it forages on and between rocks. Males show striking contrasty colors, while females are more cryptic and mottled for camouflage. It often perches conspicuously on boulders to sing or scan for prey. Local movements follow rainfall and food availability.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between rocks

Social Behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs, defending rocky territories during the breeding season. Nests are placed in crevices, ledges, or cavities among rocks; the cup nest is built from grasses and plant fibers. Pairs are monogamous in a season and the male often sings from exposed perches.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a clear, melodious series of whistles and fluty phrases delivered from prominent perches. Calls include sharp ticks and chatters when alarmed. The song carries well across rocky slopes in the early morning and late afternoon.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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